Activities for Winter

No need to hibernate in Highlands East when there are winter activities like these to take part in.

Curling

Information on curling in Wilberforce can be found on our Curling page.

Hiking

Enjoy winter hiking along our multi use Homesteader and Prospector trails.

Ice Fishing

To ice fish in Ontario you need a valid fishing licence. We do not have ice fishing seasons in Ontario, only fishing seasons. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. You can view or download a copy of the Ontario Fishing Guide Summary. Highlands East is in Zone 15.

Ice fishing huts need to be registered but you do not need to register tents made of fabric covering 7 m2 (75.4 ft2) or less when erected.

Pickle ball

In the fall and winter pickle ball takes place at the Lloyd Watson Community Centre in Wilberforce. The group welcomes new faces, anyone wanting to learn the game and enjoy getting some exercise. View our Events Calendar to find out when this activity takes place.

Shopping

A unique antique, hand blow glassware or that elusive hardware item you need, there are a wide variety of shopping opportunities in Highlands East.

Skating and Hockey

Public skating, figure skating lessons, hockey league information and outdoor rink locations can be found on our Skating and Hockey page

Skiing

Enjoy cross country skiing in Silent Lake Provincial Park.

Snowmobiling

Permits
Enjoy thousands of kilometers of snowmobile trails with a trail permit available through the OFSC website. The interactive trail guide is available during the snowmobiling season.

Parking
The Paudash Trail Blazing Club has compiled this list of parking areas:

Apsley/Bancroft

  • Highlands East Fire Department Station 6 parking lot. Right on trail (once opened) 26540 Hwy 28, just north of McGilivray Road. Do not park near the building!
  • Dyno Road at Estate Road. The township plows 2 areas right beside the road and snowmobiles have been using it for years. You can use Bolton Point Rd to go to the E Trail or the other way to Cardiff trail once everything is open

Gooderham

Large municipal plowed out parking area at Chinook Drive near Billings Lake Road. 607 trail runs through it, 606 and 607 trails connect at that point.

Harcourt

Pine Grove Point Trailer Park. Access to 620, 626, E109, and the E trail.

Tory Hill

Smaller parking lot at the corner of Hwy 118 and 503. This is right on the railway line from Gooderham to Wilberforce.

Wilberforce

  • Smaller public parking lot beside the town office and small park.
  • Behind the fire department
  • The left side of the Foodland Parking Lot is available for Trucks and trailers.
  • 2217 Loop Road. This parking lot runs right beside the 605.

Parking in Wilberforce will give you access to 604, 605 and 606

Snowshoeing

Sucker Lake Trial and Farr Road Trail are walking trails that would be ideal for a scenic snowshoe outing. In the future, Herlihey Park will offer walking trails as well.